'Tis the Season

"It's that time of year again....time for the ward Christmas party," she said with a groan.

It's Ward Party Eve today - the eve of the 5th ward Christmas party I've planned. I'm wondering if that's some kind of record or something. It was the thing I feared the most when I was first called to be the Activities Chair. Now planning a party to feed 250 people hardly phases me. When I was first called there was absolutely no way I was going to be in charge of the food. It was critical that I had someone that knew what they were doing when it comes to preparing such large amounts of food. I think though (although I'd never say this out loud in Ward Council Meeting!) I might be able to do it now. That being said, I still feel more comfortable having a specialist in charge of the food (actually, I'd feel most comfortable having it catered - but I haven't been able to sell any of the Bishoprics that I've worked with yet on that idea)

Some things don't change though. It seems to take all day the day or two before to prepare. Maybe next year I'll just show up at dinner time and eat. :0) And I always have those last minute flashes of brilliance that keep me running like crazy (why don't those come the week before rather than the day before??) However, it's probably the most satisfying activity to plan because almost everyone comes and a lot of people bring a friend too. This year I finally got a little better at getting people to help....so logically it shouldn't be too crazy. One thing I know for sure is I'll make sure we don't have a party on a Friday again. We need to have it on a Saturday when more people have time during the day to help. Oh well. Live and learn!

One thing that always seems to happen for the Christmas party is that I get sick. It started last night. My throat felt like it was swelling up and was quite sore. Hopefully lots of vitamin C and a good night's sleep tonight will fend off the bugs. Time will tell!

I know one thing for sure - I sure will have a different view of any big parties that I attend in the future when I'm not involved in planning them.